Episode #293: Helping Kids Thrive by Matching Screen Time with Nature Time with 1000 Hours Outside

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Steph interviews Ginny, the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. Ginny is a is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. In this episode, Steph and Ginny explore the benefits of outdoor time for kids and how it helps children thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. They tackle common questions parents have about reducing screentime and leave you with a realistic action plan to get started!

We are so grateful to our podcast partner, Active Skin Repair, for sponsoring this episode with 1000 Hours Outside. Because when kids are allow to explore the outdoors more often, you’ll likely need to use Active Skin Repair more often! Active Skin Repair is a natural solution to help support the bodies healing process for MANY skin issues AND also works as a sanitizer. It helps heal your little one’s sunburn, bug bites, rashes, and other skin irritations. Endorsed by Pediatricians and Dermatologists for use on even the youngest members of the family, but strong enough for some of the most extreme athletes in the world. It’s time to stock on something that’s safe and works for everyone in your family! Head over to BLDGActive.com and use code DOCTORMOM for 20% off. If you have HSA or FSA funds, you can use that too!

Today we are excited to share our interview with guest Ginny, the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. Ginny is a is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. In this episode, Steph and Ginny explore the benefits of outdoor time for kids and how it helps children thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. They tackle common questions parents have about reducing screentime and leave you with a realistic action plan to get started!

What if more time outside could be the key to happier, healthier kids and calmer, more confident parenting? In this episode, Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, joins us to share how nature transformed her motherhood journey. We talk about her early struggles as a mom, the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor time, and how reducing screen time does not have to feel like a punishment. Ginny gives us practical strategies for getting outdoors in all seasons, making nature time fun even with reluctant kids, and finding balance in today’s digital world. This episode is full of encouragement and ideas to help you enjoy parenting more while supporting your child’s development in the most natural way possible.

Topics Covered in This Episode

The benefits of nature time for kids’ development and emotional health
How the 1000 Hours Outside movement began and why it matters
Simple ways to reduce screen time without stress
Why boredom builds creativity and confidence
Tips for getting outdoors with kids of all ages

Show Notes:

Follow @1000hoursoutside on Instagram
Visit 1000 Hours Outside website
Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!
Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood.

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This episode’s sponsor

Active Skin Repair is a must have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean. Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you. Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order.

This episode’s guest

Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. One of her top priorities is to inspire parents to invest in spending time in God’s creation with their children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a BS in Mathematics and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, she loves growing zinnias, and she is also an author and illustrator. Her most recent book, 1000 Hours Outside: Activities to Match Screen Time with Green Time was published through DK Books in December, 2022. She also has three self-published books: 1000 Hours Outside: Prioritize Nature, Reclaim Childhood, and Experience a Fuller Life (May, 2022), 1000 Hours Outside Activity book (April, 2021), and her children’s book The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia (February, 2019).

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